ironlips

Brother Donny, You mean NOMINEES, not inductees. The vote is still pending. There are indeed some great candidates.

The "Manny" on the left might well have been recruited by any number of senior corps but for his eccentricity. When John Sasso was teaching St. Lucy's, I mentioned that the kid was a wizard and perhaps the Sunrisers should draft him. He indicated that there was already a deal in the works with New York. We would get a player to be named later, one whose name was virtually unpronouncable by most and had to be shortened to "China". As a bonus for passing on the Lucy's kid, Lefty would throw in the other guy's little brother who might be a drum prospect, though this was by no means certain.

Ah, yes. I do remember him... and his St. Lucy's solos... and his brief Sky career... and his marching in his socks that day with the Kingsmen..... and the solo he played on that occasion. (The Army shirt had nothing to do with any of it. That was not in the cards for him.) He was a Man of Many Talents...a savant, even.

Would it be at all significant that the person on the left is wearing what appears to be a US serviceman's fatigue shirt, c. late '60s (or a reasonable facsimile)? Just looking for a lead here. Hairstyles imply that time period as well.

Copious apologies for keeping my friends waiting. I just got back from a gig. (Imagine, a gig! At my age.) Yes, it is Billy Cobham, and the story goes like this: At the end of the '77 season, I was hired by the Blue Devils because Jim Ott had decided to move on to Spirit of Atlanta (not that anybody could really have replaced him). Some on the staff were a little skeptical about having another New Yorker on the team, Wayne Downey being quite a handful already. When Billy Cobham came to town for a performance, I mentioned that I could probably get him to a rehearsal since we had marched together in both the Queensmen and Sunrisers. The response from the drum staff was, "Oh sure, you know Billy Cobham and he marched in drum corps. Who are you kidding?" Naturally, I took this as a challenge, called Billy and passed on that comment. "No sweat", he said. "Let's go to practice." When we arrived the drum line was on a break. Without a word, Billy strolled over to the section, strapped on a snare and proceeded to burn through one of his individual solos. This was all the more impressive because he was playing "left handed". (That's why he had been a tenor when he marched, though he competed on snare in I&E.) When he finished, he flashed his trademark big grin and asked, "Any questions?" The expressions on the faces of the drummers and staff were absolutely priceless. Billy graciously spent the rest of the afternoon with the corps, and Scott Johnson (center snare at the time) still talks about it. Like Steve Gadd, Billy has always celebrated his drum corps roots, and we should all be proud of those cats.

Computer issues aside, if someone will actually name the cat in the (cowboy) hat, I'll reveal the amusing back-story to the photo.

Funny you should say that. I have it on good authority that some in the WDCHOF are considering ways to honor Stevie (as you affectionately refer to him), Chick Corea and the subject of this discussion as outstanding drum corps alumni. Personally, I would place all of them on the same star magnitude scale. And who among us wouldn't show up at that banquet?

I'd have to agree with you, TP. That would be too easy. The guy you're thinking of was once my room mate, and that is not he.

And what era would you make that out to be?

Dennis, Given your own achievements, anyone would be proud to be on your list.

Hey, it was just a friendly tweak to my Crusader colleagues. (I just don't do those smiley face icons...etc.) I should know both of these guys since we must have appeared in many of the same contests. They look ever so familiar but just can't place them. I appeal to my northern brothers and sisters.

Right. There are no weirdos in New York, especially upstate. And I'm the Queen of Sheba. Disclosure: I was born in the Bronx. Now, how about we get back on topic?

This is deeply tragic news. I have no words.

Steve was inducted into the Buglers Hall of Fame last year by a vote of his peers. He is truly one of the best in the world at his craft.

That spectacular parade afforded the country and the world an opportunity to view the true tradition of marching music, from the Old Guard to Boston to Grambling to the high school and community bands. Perhaps someday there will be only soundtracks and synthesizers, or simply a virtual, downloadable parade. But yesterday demonstrated the unique vitality and importance of outdoor music pageantry, with acoustic instruments played by real musicians in real time, enhanced by skilled visual auxilliary. Long may it endure!

Ray called him a legend, but he surpassed even that high praise. Eric was a creator of legends: legendary drumlines, players and instructors. Every drummer in today's Washington parade owes him something, whether they realized it or not. From the Old Guard to the Crusaders to the Grambling Band to the school and community units, they gave him a most fitting send-off.

For what kind of "band" did you score the piece? You probably know that a drum corps has brass and percussion, but no woodwinds. Some corps use synths, of course.

I have fond memories of this event which was a kind of "home show" for me. My mother lived nearby in Lake George and we attended the show together for years. On a summer evening in 1982, the drum major of the San Jose Raiders ended their performance by coming into the stands and presenting her with a rose. It was one wonderful moment among the thousands that the Lions and the corps provided the community for years. I'm with Andy and Eddie in encouraging the establishment of an Alumni and /or combined show. There have been marching drums in these mountains since the French, English and Mohawks roamed here. This is a tradition that should be comtinued.

You may be interested in this, Fred and Ralph's inspiration and the reason for the brass melody: Some of the more progressive corps used horns in drum solos the way electronics are used now.

Hello Glockosaurus Rex. You have picked some great selections for your study. As for Garfield '75, that was Coltrane's "Afro Blue", arranged by Billy Gaeckle (former USMC D&B). I can put you in contact with him if you PM me. It was Jeff Namian who played the keyboard lead in that production. You may recognize that name from his outstanding subsequent career as a WGI instructor and color guard guru. SCV's "Stoneground 7" is usually credited to the late, great Fred Sanford of course, but was primarily the work of Ralph Hardimon, I believe, though they were collaborating, naturally. Interestingly, Fred wrote the brass parts which were later deleted. That full version can still be heard on the 1980 "State of the Art" mid-season CD.

Selden rocks!

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ken. I know you realize it's all "tongue-in-cheek". I have the highest respect for drum corps percussionists and have learned so much from the likes of Gerry Shellmer, Fred Sanford, Ralph Hardimon, Dennis DeLucia, Charlie Poole, Scott Johnson, John Oddo and others with whom I have been blessed to work. What incredible talents!

In drum corps percussion, it doesn't get any better than Mr. Crosby. But where will all those famous LA set drummers go for lessons when he's out of town?

Hello, Ciphertanget. The fact that this symptom showed up right after tour might indicate that you had been overtaxing your chops with a lot of intense playing. I would recommend that you cease all playing for about 2 weeks. Pay attention to proper sleep and nutrition and give the musculature a chance to rejuvenate. When you begin playing again, go slowly. Long tones in low and mid register for the first week or so. If the quaver returns, see a doctor. There may be something else going on. Over-practicing is worse than its opposite. Many professionals found this out the hard way. If you have a private teacher, you should also consult her/him. Check back in and let us know how you're doing.

Yes, Jim. That was the group I wrote about here: http://www.drumcorpsplanet.com/2012/09/inside-the-arcannapolis-time-tripping/